The Ultra High Temperature (UHT) processing of milk refers to milk that has been processed at high temperature (at least 135°C). By rapidly heating milk to this temperature, keeping it there for a few seconds, and then quickly cooling it down, any microorganisms in the raw milk are killed off. Packaging UHT milk in aseptic containers leads to a shelf life of several months, and the milk doesn’t have to refrigerated until the package is opened. UHT milk is also referred to as long-life milk.

The new plant at Western Dairies will now be capable of producing milk with a shelf life of up to 3 months, compared to the previous 13-day shelf life product. This will also mean more deliveries from dairy farmers as the plant can process and package whatever amounts are delivered.

Western Dairies is the country’s largest producer of packaged fresh milk, cheese and other milk derived products such as ice cream. There are 6 outlets throughout the country and an outlet in Grenada in the Caribbean.

The second event was held at the Quality Feed Mill compound for the Ground breaking ceremony for Quality Feed Soybean Oil Refinery Plant in Spanish Lookout. Soybean cooking oil is a healthy alternative to shortening derived from animal fats. Quality Feed Mill has been processing soybean from 2016 and has now targeted the establishment of a plant that will be an 8 million dollar investment when finished. The plant will be able to produce up to 3.5 million liters of oil per year on completion. At present Belize imports up to 5.7 liters of vegetable oil per year, so when completed the plant will offer a viable alternative to imported products.